Land & Environment Intern ($500 End of Season Bonus)

Application Deadline: April 21, 2025

Hours: Non-exempt, Part-time: Monday-Friday, 20-32 hrs/week to be determined between the Department and applicant

Summary:

Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC) is seeking two (2) summer interns to support our Land & Environment Department. Internships will start between May (ideal) and June and last through the end of summer. Our internship opportunities provide individuals with on-the-job training and experience while making important contributions to the Community. Specific duties for each intern may vary and are intended to provide a well-rounded perspective to satisfy internship requirements. If interested, please send your resume to bailey.fox@piic.org 

Job Responsibilities & Duties:

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all-inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

The primary role of these internship positions will be to assist Land & Environment staff in conducting field work to improve and maintain the natural resources used by the PIIC community for food, medicine, and cultural connection. Specifically, the interns will:

·        Assist with maintenance of the Community Vegetable Garden, Cultural & Medicinal Garden, and Tiyokȟata (greenhouse) operations.

·        Assist with wildlife surveys.

·        Assist with invasive species removal, pollinator-friendly plantings, and cultural plantings.

·        Assist with water quality and biological sample collection.

·        Support education and outreach events throughout the summer.

·        Assist with other projects / tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

·        Ability and enthusiasm for working outdoors in many different weather conditions (heat, light rain, wind)

·        Interest in learning how to operate basic garden tools such as hand tools, mowers, and weed whips

·        Successful experience working in a team setting

·        Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision

·        Ability to maintain confidentiality

·        Experience with and connection to Dakota culture and community

·        Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate work vehicles when necessary

Preferred Qualifications:

·        Knowledge of plant life, gardening, and/or foraging.

·        Enrolled in a 2 or 4-year post-secondary degree program pursuing a degree in a field of study related to the area where the internship is being performed (agro-ecology, food systems, biology, environmental studies, natural resources, or similar)

·        Experience with field equipment operation and upkeep (including garden implements, 4-wheelers, UTVs, etc.)

·        Computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)

·        Demonstrated perseverance and problem-solving skills.

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Salary : $16